Julia Tah

Julia Ann Tah (Moore), “Muggs”, passed away December 26, 2020 at 9:26 a.m. in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the age of 70.  She was born May 11, 1950 in Pawnee, Oklahoma, to Robert “Bob” Moore and Edna DeRoin-Moore.  Julia was raised in Red Rock, Oklahoma, graduating from Red Rock School in May 1968.  She was an outstanding athlete, playing basketball and softball but it was basketball that took her onto play for Northern Oklahoma College, graduating from N.O.C. with her Associates of Applied Science-Business/Accounting degree, in May 1970.  While attending N.O.C., she met “The Love of Her Life”, our Daddy, Michael Tah.  They united in marriage on March 17, 1970.  After making their home in Red Rock and starting their family of three daughters, Hayley, Dena and Gloree and one son, Michael McClellan.  She soon returned to N.O.C. and graduated with another Associates of Applied Science, receiving her Registered Nursing license in 1991.

A member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Owl Clan, Julia was once the youngest female tribal member to be voted onto the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Council in November 1975.  She served numerous terms on the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Council as Tribal Secretary and as Tribal Treasurer. Her passion, dedication and love for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe was well known.  She was dedicated to her people and the love she had for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe was beautiful.  Many tribal members looked to her for her guidance because of her knowledge and her fierce-strong vocal output.  Julia was the epitome of a strong, loving and caring woman.  She worked hard for her family, providing her kids and foster kids with everything they would want and need while also instilling in her kids and grandchildren, you have to work hard for what you want.   Julia’s career included employment with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, St. Josephs Hospital in Ponca City and the White Eagle Health Clinic.  She retired from the field she loved due to medical issues.  After her retirement, She then taught herself how to be a seamstress, following in the footsteps of her mother Edna Moore.  She perfected her seamstress skills and her sewing regalia is worn throughout the United States.  She made dresses for past Otoe-Missouria Tribal Princesses and for other surrounding tribal princesses.  She sewed many ribbon skirts, dresses, straight dance regalia, ribbon shirts, any kind of tribal regalia for many tribal members, as well as surrounding tribal communities.  Her seamstress abilities for the Otoe-Missouria people will be greatly missed by all who turned to her for their tribal regalia needs. But most of all, she will be missed for her dedication to the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and its members.

Julia “Muggs” was The Matriarch of her family.  She loved her family with all her heart and unconditionally, never turning down a family member in need and when called upon.  We will be lost without her but her legacy, her teachings, her unconditional love will forever live through us.

Left behind to mourn and cherish her memory are three daughters, Hayley and companion Tori Tohee, Dena and Fiancé Michael Black and Gloree Tah and one son, Michael McClellan, of Red Rock, Oklahoma.  Her ten grandchildren, whom she loved and pampered are Kayley and Ezrah Tah-Delodge, Tamira and Munchuska “MJ” Primeaux, Aiden and Jaylin Ariwite, Camron and Virginia, of Red Rock, OK, Michael Jr and Amaya McClellan of Tulalip, Washington. She is also survived by one sister, Oresa Shotton and Randy of Ponca City, Oklahoma.  Four Brothers, James Moore and wife Caroline of Choctaw, Ok, Robert Moore and wife Felicia, Alvin Moore Sr and wife Denise and Bradley Moore, of Red Rock.  Numerous Nieces and Nephews, all of whom she loved as much as she did her own children and one special niece, her name sake “Little Julia” Berryhill and all her little precious grandbabies who brought her happiness when she needed it the most. Michael and Julia also opened their home throughout their years of marriage and fostered 22 children, all of whom they loved like their very own children, leaving behind a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.

Julia was preceded in death by “The Love of Her Life, Her Mufasa” Michael Tah, on September 13, 2019.  She missed her loving husband so very much and being reunited once again with her love is comfort to our already fragile hearts.  Also preceding her in death are her parents Robert and Edna Moore, one sister, Marvel Moore-Eagle and half brother Cecil DeRoin, all of whom she loved and missed dearly.

On Tuesday, December 29, 2020 a Public viewing will be held between 10:00 am – Noon at Grace Memorial in Ponca City.  Immediate Family viewing will begin at noon – 1:00pm.  We will then follow our Mother, our Matriarch home to the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery.  Graveside services will begin at 2:00 p.m. where she will be laid to rest beside her loving husband.  Together on this earth, Forever in Heaven.

Casket bearers are:  Ezrah Tah-Delodge, Munchuska “MJ” Primeaux, Michael McClellan, Camron Tah, Aiden Ariwite and Jaylin Ariwite.

Honorary Casketbearers are:  John Shotton, Randy Shotton Jr, Jason Moore, Craig Moore, Alvin Moore Jr, Bradley Moore Jr. and Michael Black.

We Love you Mother….  GOING WEST…..

WE ASK THAT EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS THE VIEWING AND GRAVESIDE TO PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCE.